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Happy New Year!
ARG and Localities Grants – open for applications
Stockport Council are working out the details of new Covid related business grant schemes based on the government guidance that has just been released to them so will shortly publish the full details of eligibility, application processes and requirements, as well as grant payment levels on the following Council web page as soon as possible – Coronavirus (COVID-19) support for businesses and employees – Stockport Council
Discretionary Grant Scheme:
Following the government announcement on 21 December 2021 regarding financial support for the hospitality sector, Stockport Council is continuing to accept applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant. Applications received from 21st December 2021 will be subject to further review against the detailed guidance from government and may therefore not be successful.
Specific financial support for the hospitality and leisure sector
The government has announced further financial support for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector. This includes a one-off grant of up to £6,000 per premises. SMBC will publish information about qualifying criteria and how businesses can claim the grant on their website HERE
Please check the Council’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) support for businesses and employers web pages regularly to see the latest information available about the grant support available and how to access it – Financial support for businesses and employers
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Government takes action to mitigate workforce disruption
The government has taken actions to mitigate workforce disruption cause by Omicron. The Prime Minister has tasked ministers to work closely with their respective sectors to test preparations and contingency planning so that disruption caused by increased COVID-19 infection is minimised in public services and supply chains. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Steve Barclay, is chairing regular meetings with ministers to closely monitor the impacts of Omicron on workforces and supply chains and monitor schools ahead of the return of pupils in the new year.
The government is also working with the public and private sector to develop plans to manage absences to ensure sectors are prepared and disruption is minimised.
England to continue with Plan B to protect NHS
England will continue with its Plan B Covid measures amid growing pressures on the NHS, Boris Johnson has said. The prime minister said it would be “folly” to think the pandemic was over and pressure on hospitals would be “considerable” over the coming weeks. However, he added the country was in a “much better position” than this time last year thanks to vaccinations. The PM stressed Omicron looks less severe than other variants, despite it being “incredibly transmissible”.
Plan B measures are due to expire on 26 January, although they are expected to be reviewed tomorrow, Wednesday.
Secondary schools return with in-school testing and facemasks
The government ruled on Sunday that pupils should wear masks in classrooms for the first three weeks of term, bringing England in line with other parts of the UK. In-school testing is taking place in England. It also pledged 7,000 air filters would be available to the 20,000-plus schools in England. On Monday, Mr Zahawi said the government had learned a “painful lesson” about the impact of previous school closures. This was why he and the prime minister were determined to keep schools open, he said.
Covid impacts on business as staff shortages force closures
Staff shortages continue to blight retailers and hospitality firms, with one warning of closures if Covid absences worsen. Some firms saw 50% of staff off pre-Christmas, one employers’ group said. It comes as ministers consider how the public sector handles mass absences. The government has asked public sector managers to test their contingency plans against a worst-case scenario of 25% staff absence, as part of efforts to minimise disruption from surging infections from the Omicron variant of Covid.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Coronavirus rates rise in all Greater Manchester boroughs as more than 55,000 people test positive in one week
Coronavirus infection rates have risen in all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester the latest data has now revealed. And in the week ending December 30, more than 55,000 people tested positive in one week as rates across Greater Manchester remain higher than the national average. This is an increase of 14,968 cases on the previous week – a rise of 37 per cent. In Stockport, the latest infection rate is 2132.2 cases per 100,000 people and the number of cases has gone up by 34 per cent. A total of 6273 people tested positive for Covid in Stockport over the seven days ending on December 30, which is 1600 more than the week before.
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust thank staff for making a difference
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have rewarded and celebrated individuals and teams that have gone above and beyond with the presentation of their ‘Making a Difference’ awards. A community healthcare assistant and hospital ward tracker are the latest to be honoured by the trust’s Chief Executive Karen James as she visits staff across both Stepping Hill Hospital and community locations to thank those who have been performing excellently and providing outstanding care.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been 13 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and almost 149,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 83% have had their second and 60% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 13,422,815 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 157,758 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 11,918 (1,035 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 42
Total UK deaths: 148,893
England Cases per 100,000: 1,530
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,800,798 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 12,121
Daily 2nd doses: 15,893
Daily Booster doses: 106,665
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.2
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 68,158 to 3 January
Cases in the latest week: 6,273, (1,600 compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 806 to December 17th (+3 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 2,132 per 100,000
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 2 January
2nd dose: 79%
3rd / booster dose: 61%
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
ARG Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 341
Applications allocated: 45%
Value of Grants issued: £450,500
Locality Boost Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 22
Applications processed / in process: 95%
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
New year rules apply for exports between GB and the EU
From 1 January 2022, exports between Great Britain and the EU will be subject to full customs controls. This means that goods must be presented to customs and the export declarations must be entered into HMRC systems to decide if any further physical checks are required. If a physical examination is required, this will be conducted at an Inland Border Facility or at the designated customs checking facility within the frontier locations. Goods must not be exported without permission and a message must be sent after their departure. To support full customs controls on goods, particularly those locations with limited space or infrastructure, the government introduced the goods vehicle movement service (GVMS).
Read this Customs Information Paper (CIP) to find out what changes are happening at certain locations. The following changes relate to the ports using GVMS for exports from 1 January 2022. If the port is not using GVMS please follow the normal exports process.
Good news for high streets as consumers return for New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve saw a “shift in behaviour” from the cautious attitude shown by shoppers ahead of Christmas, as high street footfall rose by more than 5%, according to retail experts. According to data from industry analyst Springboard, high street footfall increased by 5.2% across the UK on 31 December, when compared with the figures from a week earlier (Christmas Eve). This pattern is sharp contrast with pre-pandemic levels in 2019, when New Year’s Eve high street footfall declined by 9% from the week before. The good news came despite a footfall drop of 15% across all UK retail destinations last week, versus the week before (the run-up to Christmas).
CARE:
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – updated to reflect resident LFD testing following visits out of the care home are required every second day for 10 days, and to add that nominated visitors should remain the same wherever possible.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated title of the ending isolation infographic and clarified that self-isolation advice applies to children and young people.
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan: Green investment to boost renewable energy and power construction
The value of renewable energy projects started during 2021 is on track to total £5 billion according to Glenigan’s market research. This figure is a rise of 70% on last year and six times the figure recorded for 2019. Glenigan’s economics director Allan Wilen says: “The Government’s path to ‘net zero’ will require substantial investment in the UK energy sector. The Energy White Paper sets out ambition of quadrupling offshore wind capacity to 40GW by 2030.” Offshore wind projects starting construction in the past two years have driven a strong increase in overall renewable energy projects. Construction began this year on a £3 billion expansion of Innogy Renewable’s Sofia Wind Farm off Redcar (Project ID: 19144506), but a host of other investments in energy and power are also moving through the pipeline.
EDUCATION:
Testing measures to ensure young people return to classrooms
On-site Covid lateral flow tests for secondary pupils on return to school, with students and staff encouraged to test twice a week
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Updated to include the use of face coverings in classrooms for year 7 and above.
Responsibility for exams
Updated ‘Public health guidance to support exams for 2021 to 2022’ with changes to the advice on face coverings and brought the guidance on self-isolation arrangements in line with other government guidance.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
One year anniversary of UK deploying Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
2.5 billion doses of the at-cost and UK-made vaccine have been administered across the world. One year ago today, Tuesday 4 January 2021, the UK became the first country in the world to administer the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Brian Pinker, 82, was the first person to receive the life-saving vaccine outside of clinical trials at Oxford University Hospital at 7.30am. Since then, around 50 million AstraZeneca vaccines have been administered in the UK, saving countless lives, keeping people out of hospital and reducing the pressure on the NHS.
UK marks 132 million life-saving COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021
Year rounded off with 1.6 million booster jabs in the final week.
HOSPITALITY
Check if you’re eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports businesses that have been.
PROPERTY:
Omicron set to hit viewing s and housing market in 2022
The surge in Omicron cases and possible future restrictions are set to hit the housing market in 2022 – and may even deter vendors from allowing some viewings.
Robert Gardner, chief economist at the Nationwide – which last week reported a 10.8 per cent annual house price increase across the UK in 2021 – says: “It appears likely that the housing market will slow [in 2022] since the stamp duty holiday encouraged many to bring forward their house purchase in order to avoid additional tax.
RETAIL:
IKEA confirms UK price increases due to Covid
Ikea has confirmed it has been forced to increase the average price of products in its UK stores due to rising supply chain costs, as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Swedish furniture specialist said it has been forced to increase prices in the UK by more than the global average (9%) due to “local market conditions”, including increased HGV and logistics costs. However, some items of flat-pack furniture have been increased by up to 50%, in a move that will add to consumers’ growing concern about the rising cost of living in 2022.
TRANSPORT:
Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
COVID-19 testing for hauliers arriving in England and travelling from the UK – HGV and coach drivers no longer need to take a PCR test before entry into Germany.
Haulier advice site locations
PCR testing at Doncaster North services has now stopped due to changes to entry requirements into Germany.
TRAVEL:
Travel abroad from England during coronavirus – updated 4th January
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.